Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
1970s-set conspiracy thriller has strong language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pioneer
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In the 1970s, a rich oil deposit is discovered in the North Sea off the coast of Norway. Teams of Norwegian and American divers start training to withstand the pressure of the more than 300-meter depths. Among them are Petter (Aksel Hennie) and his brother, family man Knut (Andre Eriksen). While below, something happens to Petter's gas mix, and he blacks out at a crucial moment, causing an accident and killing his brother. Wracked with grief and guilt, Petter begins investigating. He finds out that the man in charge of the gas suffered from seizures ... but then quickly discovers that it's not that simple and that the conspiracy goes much deeper. Soon his life is in danger, and he realizes he must dive once more to discover the truth.
Is It Any Good?
Helmed by Erik Skjoldbjaerg, the director of the original Insomnia (1997), which was remade by Christopher Nolan in 2002, PIONEER is a serviceable, enjoyable thriller. It attempts to capture the feel of a 1970s-era paranoid conspiracy movie, and it succeeds in tone, even if the plot isn't quite so air-tight. Petter takes illogical risks in some cases, and in others simply overlooks logic. And some of the plot turns feel stale.
Although Pioneer isn't exactly the kind of movie that keeps viewers guessing and on the edge of their seat, Hennie is an appealing lead -- an antidote to handsome-but-dull action heroes -- and the rest of the cast is likewise appealing, including Americans Stephen Lang (Avatar) and Wes Bentley (who provides most of the filthiest language). And Skjoldbjaerg's sultry, gritty atmosphere helps smooth over some of the flaws.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Pioneer's violence. How did it affect you? How much is shown or not shown? Is it thrilling or gruesome? Is it all necessary to the story?
Does this movie make diving look like exciting work? Dangerous work? Does it look appealing? Are the men who do it heroes? Role models?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 5, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : March 10, 2015
- Cast : Wes Bentley , Stephen Lang , Aksel Hennie
- Director : Erik Skjoldbjaerg
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : August 7, 2022
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